Tool locking mechanism

ABSTRACT

A locking mechanism for use with a tool has a tool having a first working end, an opposite second end, a central axis therebetween, and a least one axial recess formed on an outer surface of the tool. A cap is rotatably received on the tool opposite second end, the cap comprising at least one recess formed on an outer surface thereon. The cap is rotatable between a first position in which the cap at least one recess aligns with the tool at least one recess, and a second position in which the cap at least one recess is out of alignment with the tool at least one recess. The locking mechanism further comprises a detent operatively positioned between the tool and the cap. The detent may be a pin and a spring, where the spring biases the cap into the second position.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 60/983,668, filed Oct. 30, 2007, which is entitled “Tool LockingMechanism,” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by referenceherein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to tools and their associatedwrenches. More particularly, the present invention relates to a lockingtool mechanism for positively locking a tool in a ratcheting wrench gearring.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Tap and die assemblies for threading holes and elongated shanks,respectively, are well known. Existing tap and die assemblies typicallyrequire specialized wrenches for holding and driving the various tapsand dies during use. These wrenches are specifically designed forholding a tap or die, and are not adequately suited for use with othertools, such as sockets, socket extensions, etc. Moreover, existing tapand die assemblies require that a separate wrench be used for a tap or adie requiring numerous tools. However, when the tap or die adapter isrelatively large and heavy, prior art fasteners such as compressionrings are insufficient to retain the adapter in the ratcheting ring ofthe wrench. Moreover, certain large tools for use with ratchetingwrenches require a positive locking mechanism to retain the tool in theratcheting wrench.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of toollocking mechanism of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention recognizes and addresses the foregoingconsiderations, and others, of prior art constructions and methods.

These and/or other objects are achieved in a preferred embodiment of alocking mechanism for use with a tool, comprising a tool having a firstworking end, an opposite second end, a central axis therebetween, and aleast one axial recess formed on an outer surface of the tool. A cap isrotatably received on the tool opposite second end, the cap comprisingat least one recess formed on an outer surface thereon. The cap isrotatable between a first position in which the cap at least one recessaligns with the tool at least one recess, and a second position in whichthe cap at least one recess is out of alignment with the tool at leastone recess.

In some embodiments, the tool further comprises a plurality of recessesformed thereon. In these and other embodiments, the cap furthercomprises a plurality of recesses formed thereon. In yet otherembodiments, the locking mechanism further comprises a detentoperatively positioned between the tool and the cap. In someembodiments, the detent may be a pin and a spring. In other embodiments,the detent may be a spring and a ball. In yet other embodiments, the capfurther comprises at least one recess that is operatively engaged by thedetent. In these embodiments, the spring is placed intermediate the pinand the cap so that the cap is biased into the second position. In theabove embodiments, the cap may be secured to the tool opposite secondend by a ring.

In another embodiment, a locking mechanism for use with a tool comprisesa tool having a first working end, an opposite second end, a centralaxis therebetween, a plurality of axial recesses formed on an outersurface of the tool, and a bore formed in the opposite second endtransverse to the central axis. A cap is rotatably received on theopposite second end, the cap comprising a plurality of recesses formedon an outer surface thereon and a recess formed in a bottom surface. Apin is positioned in the opposite second end transverse bore and the capbottom surface recess, and a spring is operatively connected to the capand at least one end of the pin. The cap is rotatable between a firstposition in which the plurality of cap recesses aligns with theplurality of tool recesses, and a second position in which the pluralityof cap recesses is out of alignment with the plurality of tool recesses.The cap is also biased by the spring into the second position.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of theinvention and, together with the description, serve to explain theprinciples of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present tap and die ratchet wrenchassembly, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinaryskill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makesreference to the appended drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1A and 1B are top perspective and top plan views, respectively, ofa ratchet wrench in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C are side, perspective, and bottom views,respectively, of a tap adapter for use with the ratchet wrench shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B;

FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C are exploded perspective, perspective, and bottomviews, respectively, of a die adapter for use with the ratchet wrenchshown in FIGS. 1A and 1B;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of an alignment disk of the die adapter shown inFIGS. 3A through 3C;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a standard die for use with the dieadapter shown in FIGS. 3A through 3C;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a standard tap for use with the tapadapter shown in FIGS. 2A through 2C;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the tap adapter shown in FIGS. 2A through 2Cinserted into the ratchet wrench shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B;

FIGS. 8A and 8B are a partial cut-away side and perspective view,respectively, of an extension for use with the ratchet wrench as shownin FIGS. 1A and 1B;

FIG. 9 is a top view of an embodiment of a ratchet wrench in accordancewith the present disclosure;

FIGS. 10A and 10B are side and top perspective view, respectively, of anembodiment of a tap adapter for use with the ratchet wrench shown inFIGS. 1A, 1B and FIG. 9;

FIGS. 11A and 11B are side and perspective views, respectively, of anembodiment of an extension for use with the tap adapter shown in FIGS.10A and 10B;

FIGS. 12A, 12B, and 12C are exploded perspective, perspective, andbottom views, respectively, of an embodiment of a tap adapter for usewith the ratchet wrench shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B and FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is a side view of the tap adapter body shown in FIGS. 12A-12C;

FIG. 14 is perspective a view of an embodiment of a tap adapter for usewith the ratchet wrench shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B;

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the tap adapter of FIG. 15;

FIG. 16 is a side perspective view of the tap adapter of FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the tap adapter of FIG. 14 insertedinto the ratchet wrench of FIGS. 1A and 1B;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the tap adapter of FIG. 14 insertedinto the ratchet wrench of FIGS. 1A and 1B; and

FIGS. 19A and 19B are perspective and side views, respectively, of anembodiment of a locking mechanism for use with the ratchet wrench shownin FIGS. 1A and 1B.

Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification anddrawings is intended to represent same or analogous features or elementsof the drill chuck according to the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to presently preferred embodimentsof the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation,not limitation, of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art that modifications and variations can be made in thepresent invention without departing from the scope and spirit thereof.For instance, features illustrated or described as part of oneembodiment may be used on another embodiment to yield a still furtherembodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers suchmodifications and variations as come within the scope of the appendedclaims and their equivalents.

Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, a ratchet wrench 100 has a head portion102, a first handle 104, and a second handle 106, the first and secondhandles extending from head portion 102 on opposite sides of headportion 102. A ratchet ring 108 is rotatably received in head portion102 and includes an inner engaging surface 110 with a plurality ofshaped ribs 112 extending inwardly therefrom. In one embodiment, theribs are semi-cylindrically shaped. However, it should be understoodthat the ribs may have a triangular, square, oval or any other suitablecross-sectional shape. Each rib 112 includes a slot transverse to theaxial direction of the ratchet ring axis and that aligns with the otherslots to form a first annular groove 116. First annular groove 116 isconfigured to receive a ring 118, which may be a continuous pliable ringor a discontinuous spring ring. Ribs 112 and ring 118 are received incorresponding depressions and grooves, respectively, of a work piece, asdiscussed in greater detail herein.

Ratchet wrench 100 includes a lever 120 that allows a user to select thedirection of rotation in which ratchet wrench 100 will apply torque to awork piece and the direction of rotation in which the wrench willratchet about the workpiece. Lever 120 selectively controls a ratchetingmechanism (not shown) disposed within head portion 102 that engages anouter surface of ratchet ring 108. One example of a suitable ratchetingmechanism is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,918,323, to Arnold, et al.,the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in itsentirety.

Referring now to FIGS. 2A through 2C, a tap adapter 130 in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention is shown. Tap adapter 130includes a barrel portion 132, a plurality of fingers 134 extendingaxially therefrom, and a threaded nut 136 received on the distal ends ofthe fingers.

Barrel portion 132 includes a set of depressions 138 and a secondannular groove 140. As shown, each depression 138 is semi-cylindrical inshape and spaced about barrel portion 132 so that the barrel portion isinsertable into ratchet ring 108 (FIG. 7). It should be understood thatthe shape of depressions 138 should correspond to the shape of ribs 112so that barrel portion 132 is rotationally secured in ratchet ring 108.A second annular groove 140 is formed in the outer circumference ofbarrel portion 132 and aligns with groove 116 when barrel portion 132 isinserted into ratchet ring 108. As such, second annular groove 140 ispositioned to receive portions of ring 118 to releasably secure tapadapter 130 in ratchet ring 108 in the axial direction, as shown in FIG.7. A chamfered edge 149 aides in the insertion of the tap adapter intoratchet ring 108.

Barrel portion 132 also includes a transverse bore 141 for slidablyreceiving a drive dowel 148 as shown in FIG. 2C. As such, tap adapter130 can be used for threading holes even when a ratcheting wrench is notavailable. In particular, dowel 148 is slipped through transverse bore141 so that the dowel extends from opposite sides of barrel portion 132.Next, the user grasps the ends of drive dowel 148 on opposite sides ofbarrel portion 132 to apply torque in either rotational direction asdesired.

Each finger 134 is separated from adjacent fingers 134 by axial slots144 and defines a threaded surface 142 at a distal end thereof. As bestseen in FIG. 2C, as threaded nut 136 is rotated in a clockwisedirection, the distal ends of fingers 134 are biased radially inwarduntil an inner surface 145 of each finger 134 engages a drive boss 147of a tap 146 (FIG. 6). Threaded nut 136 is further rotated until tap 146is adequately secured for use. As shown in FIG. 6, tap 146 includes asquare drive boss 147. However, inner surfaces 145 of fingers 134 (FIG.2C) may be configured in any desired fashion so that they properlyengage different shaped drive bosses 147. As best seen in FIG. 7, tapadapter 130, with tap 146 secured therein, is secured within ratchetwrench 100 and ready for use. Rotation of threaded nut 136 in acounterclockwise direction (looking up toward the wrench) allows fingers134 to move radially outward so that the tap can be removed from the tapadapter after use.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A-3C, a die adapter 150 includes a generallycylindrical barrel portion 152 and a generally cylindrical lower portion154 defining a recess 156 formed therein (FIG. 3C). In one embodiment,recess 156 is hexagonally shaped in cross-section to receive a standardhexagonally shaped die. However, it should be understood that recess 156may have any desired cross-sectional shape, including circular, squareor other polygonal shape, depending on the die adapter's use.

Similar to tap adapter 130, barrel portion 152 includes a set ofdepressions 158 and a second annular groove 160 formed on an outercircumference. As previously described, depressions 158 and secondannular groove 160 are configured such that barrel portion 152 isslidably received and selectively secured in ratchet ring 108, similarto the tap adapter. A continuous axial bore 162 is formed through barrelportion 152 and lower portion 154 to allow passage of a rod, stud,elongated member, etc., therethrough while being threaded by the die. Athreaded fastener 164 is threadedly received in a radially extendingaperture in lower portion 154 to axially secure a die inserted intorecess 156. The fastener can have a polygonal shaped head 165 to allow auser to easily rotate the fastener in the tightening or looseningdirection. Alternatively, the head can be knurled for increasedgripability and may also define a slot 167 so that the fastener can betightened with a screw driver.

Die adapter lower portion 154 includes a plurality of radial grooves 166that extend from the die adapter outer surface into axial bore 162. Eachradial groove 166 is configured to slidably receive a correspondingguide pin 168 that includes grooves 170 disposed in its upper surfaceand an end face 172 proximate axial bore 162. An alignment disk 174 thatincludes a spiraled land 176 extending downward from its lower surfaceis located adjacent lower portion 154 so that land 176 is slidablyreceived in grooves 170. Land 176 and grooves 170 are configured suchthat rotation of alignment disk 174 causes guide pins 168 to be urgedradially inward into axial bore 162 or radially outward from axial bore162, depending on the direction of rotation. As shown, a retainer groove178, formed in barrel portion 152, receives a C-clip 179 that axiallysecures alignment disk 174 adjacent lower portion 154. The guide pinsare used to center a workpiece being threaded by the die so that theaxis of the workpiece is concentric with the axis of the die. As bestseen in FIG. 3C, the side edges of each guide pin's end face 172 arebeveled so that the end faces 172 may be used to engage workpieceshaving relatively small diameters.

To use die adapter 150, a user selects a desired die 157 (FIG. 5),places the die in recess 156 and secures it therein by engaging die 157with threaded fastener 164. Once the die is secured in the adapter, dieadapter barrel portion 152 is inserted into ratchet ring 108. Dieadapter 150 can accommodate elongated members (not shown) havingdiameters approaching the diameter of axial bore 162. As best seen inFIG. 3C, depending upon the diameter of the elongated member to bethreaded, it may be necessary to rotate alignment disk 174 to retractguide pins 168 from axial bore 162 so as not to impede passage of theelongated member therethrough as the die threads the elongated member.For example, the user engages a free end of the elongated member withdie threaded projections 159 (FIG. 5) and rotates ratchet wrench 100. Asratchet wrench 100 is rotated, the leading thread of each threadedprojection 159 bites into the material of the elongated member and cutsa thread into the outer circumference of the elongated member. Continuedrotation of ratchet wrench 100 about the elongated member causessubsequent threads on each threaded projection to follow in the threadspreviously formed on the elongated member by the proceeding threads oneach threaded projection 159. As such, ratchet wrench 100 is drawndownwardly along the length of the elongated member such that theelongated member begins to extend and move through axial bore 162. Oncethe leading end of the elongated member is adjacent guide pins 168,alignment disk 174 may be rotated clockwise to urge guide pins 168inwardly until their end faces 172 abut the elongated member. As such,guide pins 168 serve as points of contact to help maintain theconcentric orientation of ratchet wrench 100, die 157 and the elongatedmember.

Referring now to FIGS. 8A and 8B, an extension 180 for use with ratchetwrench 100, tap adapter 130, and die adapter 150 includes a generallycylindrical barrel portion 182 and a receptacle end 184. Similar tobarrel portion 132 of tap adapter 130, barrel portion 182 includes aplurality of depressions 188 and a second annular groove 190.Depressions 188 and second annular groove 190 are configured to receiveribs 112 and ring 118 of ratchet ring 108, respectively. Similar toratchet ring 108, receptacle end 184 includes an inner engaging surface194 with a plurality of ribs 196 extending inwardly therefrom. The ribsare preferably shaped to fit into the depressions formed in the tap anddie adapters, and in one embodiment the ribs are semi-cylindrical inshape. Each rib 196 includes a slot, the slots being aligned so as toform an annular groove 198 that receives a ring member 118 a.Additionally, extension 180 includes an axial bore 192 extendingtherethrough. Extension 180 may be used to secure both tap adapter 130and die adapter 150 to ratchet wrench 100. Bore 192 allows the elongatedmember to pass through extension 180 when used with the die adapter.

Referring now to FIG. 9, an alternate embodiment of a ratchet wrench 100a is constructed similarly to ratchet wrench 100 shown in FIGS. 1A and1B, with the additional element of a pivotally mounted handle 106 a.Handle 106 a is pivotally mounted to head portion 102 and locked intoplace by a detent 122 that a user operates to selectively engage aplurality of teeth 124 formed on head portion 102. In one embodiment,detent 122 includes a ball and spring (not shown) that is housed in abore (not shown) formed in the handle end adjacent teeth 124. The springbiases the ball outward into engagement with teeth 124 to lock thehandle into position. A button in the handle is in operative engagementwith the spring and ball such that when the button is depressed, theball can be urged into the bore against the outward bias of the springso that the handle can be pivoted to the desired position, at which timethe user releases the button and allows the ball to re-engage theplurality of teeth 124. This feature is desirable when tap and dieoperations are being conducted in areas of limited accessibility. Itshould be understood that other forms of detents may be used forexample, a spring that biases a ball or pin into engagement with teeth124.

Referring now to FIGS. 10A and 10B, an alternate embodiment of a tapadapter 130 a in accordance with the present invention is constructedsimilarly to tap adapter 130 shown in FIGS. 2A through 2C, with theexception that a square receiver 193 is formed in the upper surface ofbarrel portion 132 and is configured to receive a square drive tang of astandard ratchet wrench. As such, tap adapter 130 a can be used withstandard ratchet wrenches as well as ratchet wrenches according to thepresent invention. It should be understood that die adapter 150 may alsobe formed with a square receiver to allow the tie adapter to be usedwith a standard ratchet wrench.

Referring now to FIGS. 1A and 1B, an alternate embodiment of anextension 180 a in accordance with the present invention is disclosed.Extension 180 a includes a barrel portion 182 with a plurality ofdepressions 188 and a second annular groove 190 formed therein. A squarereceiver 193 is formed in an upper surface of barrel portion 182. Assuch, extension 180 a can be used with both standard ratchet wrencheshaving square drive tangs as well as ratchet wrenches in accordance withthe present invention. Extension 180 a also includes a square drive boss199 opposite barrel portion 182. This permits extension 180 a to be usedwith tap adapter 130 a shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B as well as standardsocket sets having square receivers.

Referring now to FIGS. 12A-12C, an alternate embodiment of a tap adapter130 b is shown with first and second transverse grooves 200 and 202,respectively, formed in the end opposite barrel portion 132. Secondtransverse groove 202 receives a base portion of a U-shaped spring 204.A pair of gripping blocks 206, slidably disposed in first transversegroove 200, each have an aperture 208 for receiving one of the spring'sfree ends and an inner face for engaging tap drive boss 147 (FIG. 6).Thus, as threaded nut 136 is rotated with respect to tap adapter 130 b,an inner surface of nut 136 acts on the beveled forward end of eachgripping block 206 urging the blocks inwardly against the outward biasof the spring into engagement with the tap. Note, tap adapter 130 b canbe shortened by omitting optional transverse bore 141 (FIG. 13).

Referring now to FIGS. 14-16, a tap adapter 230 is shown having alocking mechanism of the present invention. Tap adapter 230 includes abarrel portion 232 shown with first and second transverse grooves 200and 202, respectively, formed in one end. Second transverse groove 202receives a base portion of a U-shaped spring 204. A pair of grippingblocks 206, slidably disposed in first transverse groove 200, each havean aperture 208 for receiving one of the spring's free ends and an innerface for engaging tap drive boss 147 (FIG. 6). Thus, as threaded nut 236is rotated with respect to barrel portion 232, an inner surface of nut236 acts on the beveled forward end of each gripping block 206 urgingthe blocks inwardly against the outward bias of the spring intoengagement with the tap.

Barrel portion 232 includes a set of depressions 238 and a secondannular groove 240. As shown, each depression 238 is semi-cylindrical inshape and spaced about barrel portion 232 so that the barrel portion isinsertable into ratchet ring 108 (FIG. 7). It should be understood thatthe shape of depressions 238 should correspond to the shape of ribs 112so that barrel portion 232 is rotationally secured in ratchet ring 108.Second annular groove 240 is formed in the outer circumference of barrelportion 232 and aligns with groove 116 when barrel portion 132 isinserted into ratchet ring 108. As such, second annular groove 240 ispositioned to receive portions of ring 118 held in ratcheting ring 108.A cap 234 is rotatably received on an opposite end of barrel portion 232distal from threaded nut 236. Cap 234 has sloped sides 242 that define aset of depressions 244 that are annularly positioned to align withdepressions 238. Sloped sides 242 aides in the insertion of the tapadapter into ratchet ring 108.

Referring to FIG. 15, cap 234 is rotatably received on an end of barrelportion 232 so that it can rotate with respect to the barrel portion toalign recesses 238 and 244. In one embodiment, cap 234 is received on apin 248 and held in place by a ring 252 received in a groove 254 formedin a wall defining an opening 250 in cap 234. Ring 252 abuts a radiallyextending flange 256 formed at an end of pin 248. A detent 258 ispositioned intermediate cap 234 and pin 248 in a bore formed through pin248. In one embodiment, detent 258 is a ball 260, a spring 262 and a pin261 that function to retain cap 234 in a first position (FIG. 18) whererecesses 238 align with recesses 244 and a second position (FIG. 17)where recesses 238 are misaligned with recesses 244. Ball 260operatively engage two recesses 264 and 266 formed in an innercircumferential wall of cap 234 and pin 261 is operatively received in arecess 265 also formed in cap 234.

In an alternate embodiment, pin 248 may be formed with a threaded bore(not shown) formed therein. A disk having a threaded stem (not shown)may be threadably engaged with the pin's threaded bore so that the diskengages cap flange 256 to retain the cap on the barrel portion. Cap 234may be rotatably secured to barrel portion 232 by rivet, screw or othertypes of fasteners that allow the cap to rotate with respect to thebarrel portion. In other embodiments, detent 250 may be formed by spring262 and a ball or pin (not shown). Still in other embodiments, thedetent may be positioned between cap 234 and the end of barrel portion232 in a similar manner to that explained above.

Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, in operation tap adapter 230 is placedthrough socket ring 108 until cap 234 extends outside the socket ring.In some embodiments, ring 118 will engage groove 240 when the tapadapter is fully engaged in the socket ring. In other embodiments, ring118 and groove 240 may be eliminated. Once the tap adapter is fullyreceived in the socket ring (FIG. 18), the user rotates cap 234 withrespect to barrel portion 232 to move detent 250 from one of recesses264 and 266 to the other of recesses 264 and 266, thereby locking thecap in the second position where recesses 238 and 244 are misaligned. Inthis position (FIG. 17), the tap adapter is positively locked in thesocket ring and cannot be removed until the cap is rotated back into thefirst position. In either the first or second position, the detentretains the cap and prevents it from rotating with respect to the barrelportion.

Referring to FIGS. 19A and 19B, another embodiment of a lockingmechanism is shown. The adapter includes a barrel portion 232 shown withfirst and second transverse grooves 200 and 202 (FIG. 15), respectively,formed in one end. Second transverse groove 202 receives a base portionof a U-shaped spring 204. A pair of gripping blocks 206, slidablydisposed in first transverse groove 200, each have an aperture 208 forreceiving one of the spring's free ends and an inner face for engagingtap drive boss 147 (FIG. 6). Thus, as threaded nut 236 (FIG. 19B) isrotated with respect to barrel portion 232, an inner surface of nut 236acts on the beveled forward end of each gripping block 206 urging theblocks inwardly against the outward bias of the spring into engagementwith the tap.

Barrel portion 232 includes a set of depressions 238 and a secondannular groove 240. As shown, each depression 238 is semi-cylindrical inshape and spaced about barrel portion 232 so that the barrel portion isinsertable into ratchet ring 108 (FIG. 7). It should be understood thatthe shape of depressions 238 should correspond to the shape of ribs 112so that barrel portion 232 is rotationally secured in ratchet ring 108.Second annular groove 240 is formed in the outer circumference of barrelportion 232 and aligns with groove 116 (FIG. 1A) when barrel portion 232is inserted into ratchet ring 108. As such, second annular groove 240 ispositioned to receive portions of ring 118 (FIG. 1A) held in ratchetingring 108. A cap 234 is rotatably received on an opposite end of barrelportion 232 distal from threaded nut 236. Cap 234 has sloped sides 242that define a set of depressions 244 that are annularly positioned toalign with depressions 238. Sloped sides 242 aides in the insertion ofthe tap adapter into ratchet ring 108.

Cap 234 is rotatably received on an end of barrel portion 232 so that itcan rotate with respect to the barrel portion to align recesses 238 and244. In one embodiment, cap 234 is received on a pin 248 and held inplace by a ring 252 received in a groove 254 formed in a wall definingan opening 250 in cap 234. Ring 252 abuts a radially extending flange256 formed at an end of pin 248. A detent 261 is positioned intermediatecap 234 and pin 248 in a bore formed through pin 248. A first end 261 aof detent 261 is received in a recess 265 and the opposite end isreceived in a second cap recess 263. A spring 262 is also received incap recess 265, wherein a first spring end 262 a is operatively coupledto first pin end 261 a. In this configuration, spring 262 biases cap 232into a second position (FIG. 17) where recesses 238 are out of alignmentwith recesses 244. Thus, to align recesses 238 with recesses 244, cap234 is rotated clockwise against the tensile force of the spring so thatthe tool can be removed from the ratchet wrench ring. Once cap 234 is ina first position where the recesses align, the tool can be pushed out ofthe ring so that cap 234 is allowed to move back into the locked secondposition by spring 262. In other embodiments, instead of pulling the capinto the locked first position, the spring can bias the cap into thelocked second position by pushing pin end 261 within cap recess 265.

It should be understood that the arrangement described above forpositively locking the tap adapter in the socket ring may be used withother types of adapters, socket and tools that are received in a socketring, as described herein. For example, the described cap may be used inthe corresponding die adapter. Additionally, the locking mechanism canbe used with tools such as sockets and adapters for positively lockingthe socket or adapter into socket ring 108 preventing removal of thetool until cap 234 is rotated to the first position where recesses 238and 244 are aligned.

While one or more preferred embodiments of the invention are describedabove, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made in the present inventionwithout departing from the scope and spirit thereof. For example, thetap and die adapters can be used with non-ratcheting wrenches. As well,the correspondingly shaped ribs and depressions may be formed withvarious cross-sectional shapes, such as, but not limited to, triangular,square, rectangular, trapezoidal, etc. It is intended that the presentinvention cover such modifications and variations as come within thescope and spirit of the appended claims and their equivalents.

1. A locking mechanism for use with a tool, comprising: a. a toolhaving, a first working end, an opposite second end, a central axistherebetween, and a least one axial recess formed on an outer surface ofsaid tool b. a cap rotatably received on said opposite second end, saidcap comprising at least one recess formed on an outer surface thereon;wherein said cap is rotatable between a first position in which said capat least one recess aligns with said tool at least one recess, and asecond position in which said cap at least one recess is out ofalignment with said tool at least one recess.
 2. The locking mechanismof claim 1, said tool further comprising a plurality of recesses.
 3. Thelocking mechanism of claim 2, said cap further comprising a plurality ofrecesses.
 4. The locking mechanism of claim 1, further comprising adetent operatively positioned between said tool and said cap.
 5. Thelocking mechanism of claim 1, said detent further comprising a pin and aspring.
 6. The locking mechanism of claim 4, said cap further comprisingat least one recess that is operatively engaged by said detent.
 7. Thelocking mechanism of claim 5, wherein said spring is placed intermediatesaid pin and said cap so that said cap is biased into said secondposition.
 8. The locking mechanism of claim 1, wherein said cap isrotatably secured to said tool by a ring.
 9. The locking mechanism ofclaim 1, said cap comprising knurling formed on an outer surfacethereon.
 10. The locking mechanism of claim 1, wherein said tool firstworking end defines a polygonal opening therein for engaging a workpiece.
 11. The locking mechanism of claim 4, said detent furthercomprising a ball and a spring, where the ball and spring retain saidcap in one of said first and said second positions.
 12. A lockingmechanism for use with a tool, comprising: a. a tool having, a firstworking end, an opposite second end, a central axis therebetween, and aplurality of axial recesses formed on an outer surface of said tool; b.a cap rotatably received on said opposite second end, said capcomprising a plurality of recesses formed on an outer surface thereon;c. a detent positioned intermediate said cap and said tool oppositesecond end wherein said cap is rotatable between a first position inwhich said plurality of cap recesses aligns with said plurality of toolrecesses, and a second position in which said plurality of cap recessesis out of alignment with said plurality of tool recesses.
 13. Thelocking mechanism of claim 12, said detent further comprising a pin anda spring.
 14. The locking mechanism of claim 13, said cap furthercomprising a first recess that is operatively engaged by said detent.15. The locking mechanism of claim 13, wherein said spring is placedintermediate said pin and said cap so that said cap is biased into saidsecond position.
 16. The locking mechanism of claim 14, said cap furthercomprising a second recess formed in said cap and positioned withrespect to said cap first recess so that said pin is received in saidfirst and said second cap recesses.
 17. The locking mechanism of claim12, wherein said spring is operatively coupled to said cap and said pinthereby biasing said cap into said second position.
 18. The lockingmechanism of claim 12, wherein said tool first working end defines apolygonal opening therein for engaging a work piece.
 19. The lockingmechanism of claim 12, wherein said tool first working end defines atang.
 20. A locking mechanism for use with a tool, comprising: a. a toolhaving, a first working end, an opposite second end, a central axistherebetween, a plurality of axial recesses formed on an outer surfaceof said tool, and a bore formed in said opposite second end transverseto said central axis; b. a cap rotatably received on said oppositesecond end, said cap comprising a plurality of recesses formed on anouter surface thereon and a recess formed in a bottom surface; c. a pinpositioned in said opposite second end transverse bore and said capbottom surface recess; d. a spring operatively connected to said cap andat least one end of said pin, wherein said cap is rotatable between afirst position in which said plurality of cap recesses aligns with saidplurality of tool recesses, and a second position in which saidplurality of cap recesses is out of alignment with said plurality oftool recesses, and said cap is biased by said spring into said secondposition.